mikou design studio: bobigny school complex now complete near paris

‘bobigny school complex’ by mikou design studio, bobigny, franceall images courtesy of mikou design studio

set upon a triangular lot in urban center of bobigny outside of paris, france, the ‘bobigny school complex’ by french practice mikou design studio is now complete. we first covered the project in 2009 after it won a competition for the project’s commission. bound by three busy roads, the building’s outer elevation addresses the streets with two storey’s along the west and three storey’s along the northern and eastern edges. a grid of pixelated windows and timber panels create a large-scale mosaic ranging in hue from deep red to bright orange establish a bold presence within the neighborhood.  the main entrance, a leisure center, games library and common areas are placed at the perimeter, protective these spaces as needed with the cladding. the facades bordering the pedestrian thoroughfare descend in height, introducing a spiral effect to lighten the structure’s overall mass.

responding to the encompassing context, the strategic heights of the exterior walls offer privacy to the children playing within the central courtyard. warm sunshine enters into the internal configuration of tiered levels comprised of classrooms which overlook the nursery school playground. planted with vegetation, the greenery cascades via stepped terraces around the children creating a lush atmosphere within the city hardscape.

elevations viewed from the street

pixelated elevations

tiers of terraces and classrooms

aerial view of courtyard

green-lined terraces

courtyard entry

atrium

terraces and classrooms overlooking courtyard

courtyard at night

sit plan

floor plan + elevations

form diagram

project info:

program: preschool, primary school, sports and recreation center, libraryclient: city of bobignysurface: 5 000 m²date: completion septembre 2012